Methods, systems, and products for location determination

ABSTRACT

Location may be determined based on electrical outlets in a home or business. One or more of the electrical outlets may wirelessly communicate with a mobile device, thus updating a database with the location of the mobile device. As the mobile device moves within the home or business, a current location of the mobile device may be continually logged by passing one of the electrical outlets. Rules and operations may then be performed, based on the current location.

COPYRIGHT NOTIFICATION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its attachmentscontain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyrightowner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of thepatent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patentand Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Locational determination is common in today's communicationsenvironment. Many mobile devices, such as smartphones, determinelocation using the Global Positioning System. However, the GlobalPositioning System is often unavailable indoors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments arebetter understood when the following Detailed Description is read withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1-8 are simplified schematics illustrating an environment in whichexemplary embodiments may be implemented;

FIGS. 9-12 are more detailed block diagrams illustrating an outlet and aserver, according to exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustrating time stamping, according toexemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 14-15 are more schematics illustrating locational determination,according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 16-19 are schematics illustrating luminary activation, accordingto exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustrating environmental comfort, according toexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustrating triangulation, according toexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustrating security control, according toexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustrating appliance control, according toexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustrating locational notifications, accordingto exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 25 is a schematic illustrating locational confirmation, accordingto exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 26 is a schematic illustrating health and safety notifications,according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 27-28 are schematics illustrating content control, according toexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustrating pattern recognition, according toexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 30 is a schematic illustrating theft prevention, according toexemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 31-35 are schematics illustrating mapping features, according toexemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 36-37 are flowcharts illustrating a method or algorithm forlocational determination, according to exemplary embodiments; and

FIGS. 38-39 are schematics illustrating still more exemplaryembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodimentsmay, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete and will fully convey the exemplary embodiments to those ofordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein recitingembodiments, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended toencompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include bothcurrently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in thefuture (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function,regardless of structure).

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the likerepresent conceptual views or processes illustrating the exemplaryembodiments. The functions of the various elements shown in the figuresmay be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well ashardware capable of executing associated software. Those of ordinaryskill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware,software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described hereinare for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limitedto any particular named manufacturer.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. Itwill be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,”“including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood thatwhen an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” toanother element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the otherelement or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected”or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled.As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. For example, a first device could be termed asecond device, and, similarly, a second device could be termed a firstdevice without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

FIGS. 1-8 are simplified schematics illustrating an environment in whichexemplary embodiments may be implemented. FIG. 1 illustrates an indoorpositioning system that determines a current location 20 of a mobiledevice 22. For simplicity, the mobile device 22 is illustrated as asmartphone 24. The mobile device 22, however, may be anyprocessor-controlled device, as later paragraphs will explain.Regardless, as the smartphone 24 is carried within an indoor environment(such as home or business), the smartphone 24 passes near an electricaloutlet 26 of an electrical distribution system. As the smartphone 24passes, the electrical outlet 26 receives a wireless signal 28 sent fromthe smartphone 24. The electrical outlet 26, for example, has atransceiver 30 that permits the electrical outlet 26 to wirelesslycommunicate with the smartphone 24. When the transceiver 30 receives thewireless signal 28, the transceiver 30 inspects the wireless signal 28for a device identifier 32. The device identifier 32 uniquely identifiesthe smartphone 24.

FIG. 2 illustrates location determination. If the transceiver 30 detectsthe wireless signal 28 from the smartphone 24, the smartphone 24 may becurrently located within a proximate, short distance from the electricaloutlet 26. Indeed, if low power transmission is used (such as BLUETOOTH®or near field communication), the smartphone 24 may be currently locatedonly a few, or perhaps several, feet from the electrical outlet 26. Theelectrical outlet 26 sends an outlet message 40 to any device ordestination, such as a server 42. The outlet message 40 informs theserver 42 of the detected presence of the smartphone 24. The outletmessage 40, for example, may be packetized and sent into acommunications network 44 and routed to a network address associatedwith the server 42. The outlet message 40 includes the device identifier32 that uniquely identifies the smartphone 24. However, the outletmessage 40 also includes an outlet identifier 46 that uniquelyidentifies the transceiver 30 in the electrical outlet 26. When theserver 42 receives the outlet message 40, the server 42 inspects theoutlet message 40 for the device identifier 32 and for the outletidentifier 46. The server 42 thus now knows that, at the current dateand time 48, the mobile device 22 has the current location 20 identifiedby the outlet identifier 46 associated with the electrical outlet 26.

FIG. 3 illustrates route tracking. As the reader knows, many homes andbusinesses have an electrical distribution system 50 that provideselectrical power to homes and businesses. The electrical distributionsystem 50 usually has many different electrical outlets 26. Indeed, theNATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE® specifies a maximum spacing between adjacentelectrical outlets 26. So, as the smartphone 24 moves within the home orbusiness, exemplary embodiments track the movement. That is, as theuser's smartphone 24 travels down a hall or within a room, exemplaryembodiments track the current location 20 of the smartphone 24, based ona sequence of the outlet messages 40 received from the differentelectrical outlets 26 at different dates and times 48. As the user'ssmartphone 24 passes within reception vicinity of one of the electricaloutlets 26, communication is established. The server 42 thus receivesthe outlet message 40 from the corresponding electrical outlet 26.However, as the user's smartphone 24 continues to move, the smartphone24 will move into communications range with an adjacent electricaloutlet 26 b. Each respective electrical outlet 26 thus informs theserver 42 of the current location 20 of the mobile smartphone 24. Overtime, then, the server 42 may maintain a chronological log 52 of thesuccessive current locations 20 of the user's smartphone 24, as reportedby the different electrical outlets 26 of the electrical distributionsystem 50.

FIG. 4 illustrates group tracking Here the server 42 may track themovements of different users, based on the current locations 20 of theirrespective mobile devices 22. FIG. 4 illustrates a room 60 having manyelectrical outlets 26 along its walls. As any user's mobile device 22passes one of the electrical outlets 26, exemplary embodiments may logits corresponding current location 20. Even if a group 62 of mobiledevices operates in the same room or area, exemplary embodiments mayindividually log their current locations 20. Each member of the group 62may thus be tracked in proximity to the electrical outlets 26 in theroom 60.

FIG. 5 illustrates some locational features. Once the current location20 is known, exemplary embodiments may then execute any function 70 orrule 72, based on the current location 20. For example, the server 42may activate (or “turn on”) one or more lighting circuits 74 associatedwith the current location 20. In other words, when the smartphone 24establishes communication with the electrical outlet 26, the server 42may activate one individual lighting luminaire 76 or the entire lightingcircuit 74 associated with the electrical outlet 26. The server 42 mayalso command a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”)system 78 to heat or cool the area associated with the electrical outlet26. That is, as the mobile device 22 acts as a proxy for the user, apreprogrammed temperature 80 may be commanded for the user's comfort.Likewise, when the smartphone 24 moves out of range, the electricaloutlet 26 may no longer receive the wireless signal 28. Exemplaryembodiments may then deactivate (or “turn off”) the lighting luminaire76 and the lighting circuit 74 to conserve electricity. Thepreprogrammed temperature 80 may also change to conserve energy.

Other features are controllable. When the current location 20 isdetermined, a notification 90 may be sent. That is, either thesmartphone 24 and/or the server 42 may generate and send a text, email,or any other electronic message or call detailing the current location20 of the mobile device 22. The server 42 may further implement home oroffice automation 92, such as activating a television or sound system.Indeed, exemplary embodiments may automatically select audio-visual ormedia content 94, based on profile preferences of the mobile device 22.Indeed, exemplary embodiments may even execute a parental control 96,based on the current location 20 of a minor child's mobile device 22.The server 42 may even compare habitual patterns 98 of locations toinfer operations, such as activating a kitchen coffee brewer during themorning hours. These features, and others, will be further explained inthe following paragraphs of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates access control. Here exemplary embodiments may beused to activate, or deactivate, an electronic lock 100. As the readeragain likely understands, many homes and businesses have the electroniclock 100 that secures a door or window. Exemplary embodiments may thuslock, or unlock, the electronic lock 100 based on the current location20 of the user's smartphone 24. For example, suppose the smartphone 24establishes wireless communication with the electrical outlet 26 locatedoutside a front door 102. When the server 42 receives the outlet message40, the server 42 thus knows that the user is about to enter the home orbusiness. The server 42 may thus send a command to the electronic lock100, instructing the electronic lock 100 to automatically unlock.Similarly, when the mobile device 22 moves inside the door 102, adifferent electrical outlet (not shown for simplicity) will establishcommunication, thus updating the current location 20. The server 42 maythereafter command the electronic lock 100 to automatically lock.Exemplary embodiments may be applied to the reverse situation, in whichthe electronic lock 100 unlocks when the mobile device 22 approaches aninside electrical outlet.

FIG. 7 illustrates a lighting fixture 110. The lighting fixture 110 isillustrated as a typical ceiling-mounted light 112. The lighting fixture110, though, may be any lighting component, such as a lamp, nightlight,or ceiling fan. That is, the lighting fixture 110 is merely anotherelectrical outlet 26 that draws electrical current, when considered as acomponent of the electrical distribution system 50. Indeed, the NATIONALELECTRICAL CODE® defines any electrical outlet 26 as any point on theelectrical distribution system (illustrated as reference numeral 50 inFIG. 3) at which electrical current is taken. Here, though, the lightingfixture 110 may also include the transceiver 30, thus allowing thelighting fixture 110 to receive the wireless signal 28 transmitted fromthe mobile device 22 (such as the smartphone 24). The lighting fixture110 sends the outlet message 40 to the server 42 to report the detectedpresence of the smartphone 24. When the server 42 receives the outletmessage 40, the server 42 obtains the unique device identifier 32 andthe unique outlet identifier 46 associated with the transceiver 30and/or the lighting fixture 110. The server 42 thus now knows that, atthe current date and time 48, the mobile device 22 has the currentlocation 20 identified by the outlet identifier 46 associated with thetransceiver 30 and/or the lighting fixture 110. Exemplary embodimentsmay thus be applied to any electrical component, such as the lightingfixture 110, switches, dimmers, and junction boxes found in most homesand businesses.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portable solution. Here exemplary embodiments maybe adapted as a simple, plug-in component or apparatus 120 for easy usein existing homes and businesses. That is, the wireless transceiver 30may be incorporated inside a hockey puck enclosure 122 for simpleconnection to the electrical outlet 26. The user simply places theenclosure 122 at any desired location within the home or business. Theuser inserts a corded plug 124 into a receptacle of the electricaloutlet 26, as is widely known. The apparatus 120 thus receiveselectrical power, allowing the transceiver 30 to receive the wirelesssignal 28 transmitted from the mobile device 22 (such as the smartphone24). The apparatus 120 sends the outlet message 40 to the server 42 toreport the detected presence of the smartphone 24. FIG. 8, for example,illustrates powerline communication, in which the outlet message 40 issent over the electrical wires, which is well known and need not beexplained. When the server 42 receives the outlet message 40, the server42 obtains the unique device identifier 32 and the unique outletidentifier 46 associated with the transceiver 30 in the apparatus 120.The server 42 thus now knows that, at the current date and time 48, themobile device 22 has the current location 20 proximate to the apparatus120. The apparatus 120 may thus be placed at any location within thehome or business to detect the current location 20 of the mobile devices22 passing within reception vicinity. The apparatus 120 easily adapts toexisting electrical systems with little or no retrofit.

Exemplary embodiments thus present an elegant solution for indoorpositioning. Microwave transmission and reception may experience severescatter in indoor environments, thus rendering the Global PositioningSystem unreliable or even inoperable. Exemplary embodiments, though,determine location using intelligent electrical outlets 26 found innearly all buildings. Exemplary embodiments provide a central systemthat processes the user's current location 20, in real time or near realtime, using the mobile device 22 as a proxy. The current location 20 isdetermined based on proximity to the electrical outlets 26.

Exemplary embodiments thus use wireless transmission and reception forlocation determination. Any wireless transmission and/or reception maybe used, based on proximity to the electrical outlets 26 having thetransceiver 30. The transceiver 30, for example, may utilize theexisting electrical wiring to send the outlet message 40 to the server42, thus pinpointing the current location 20 of any user (via theirmobile device 22).

Exemplary embodiments are also applicable to outdoor environments. Asthe reader knows, many outdoor environments also have electricaloutlets. Even if the user's mobile device 22 operates in an outdoorenvironment, exemplary embodiments may still be used to determine thecurrent location 20. Indeed, there may be many situations in whichlocational determination, using the electrical outlets 26, ispreferable. For example, traditional cellular usage often requires feesand charges, so locational determination using the electrical outlets 26may be cheaper. Moreover, if cellular service is weak or slow,locational determination using the electrical outlets 26 may be fasterand preferable. So, exemplary embodiments may be preferable in outdoorenvironments.

FIGS. 9-12 are more detailed block diagrams illustrating the outlet 26and the server 42, according to exemplary embodiments. As FIG. 9illustrates, the electrical outlet 26 has conventional terminals 130 forconnection to the energized or “hot,” neutral, and ground wires of theelectrical distribution system. The electrical outlet 26 may also havethe conventional female socket or receptacle 132 for insertion of a maleplug, as is universally known. Here, though, the electrical outlet 26may also have a processor 134 (e.g., “μP”), application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), or other component that executes anoutlet-side algorithm 136 stored in a memory 54. The outlet-sidealgorithm 136 is a set of programming, code, or instructions that causethe processor 134 to perform operations, such as commanding thetransceiver 30 to receive the wireless signal sent by the passing mobiledevice (illustrated, respectively, as reference numerals 28 and 22 inFIGS. 1-8).

The device identifier 32 is obtained. Once the wireless signal 28 isreceived, the outlet-side algorithm 136 then instructs the processor 134to inspect the wireless signal 28 for the device identifier 32. Thedevice identifier 32 uniquely identifies the mobile device 22. As thoseof ordinary skill understand, each different mobile device 22 may haveany unique alphanumeric device identifier 32. The passing smartphone 24,for example, may be uniquely identified by its telephone number, IPaddress, media access control address (or “MAC address”), transceiveridentifier, or any other differentiator. Whatever the unique deviceidentifier 32, the device identifier 32 is sent as some informationalcontent in the wireless signal 28.

FIG. 10 illustrates the outlet message 40. As the user's mobile device22 is passing near the electrical outlet 26, exemplary embodiments logthe current location 20. That is, the outlet-side algorithm 136instructs the processor 134 to generate the outlet message 40 thatreports the current location 20 of the passing mobile device 22. Theprocessor 134 generates the outlet message 40 to include the deviceidentifier 32 (that uniquely identifies the mobile device 22) asinformational content. The outlet-side algorithm 136, however, may alsoinstruct the processor 134 to include the outlet identifier 46 asinformational content. The outlet identifier 46 is another alphanumericcombination that uniquely identifies the electrical outlet 26. Theoutlet identifier 46, for example, may uniquely identify the transceiver30 in the electrical outlet 26. However, the outlet identifier 46 may beany other unique character combination. Once the processor 134 generatesthe outlet message 40, the outlet message 40 may be sent into thecommunications network 44 (illustrated in FIG. 1) and routed to thenetwork address associated with the server 42.

FIG. 11 illustrates the server 42. When the server 42 receives theoutlet message 40, the server 42 logs the current location 20 of themobile device 22. The server 42 may have its own processor 140 (e.g.,“μP”), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or othercomponent that executes a server-side algorithm 142 stored in a memory144. The server-side algorithm 142 is a set of programming, code, orinstructions that cause the processor 140 to perform operations, such asinspecting the outlet message 40 for the device identifier 32 and forthe outlet identifier 46. The server 42 then logs the current location20 in a database 150 of locations.

FIG. 12 further illustrates the database 150 of locations. Once theserver 42 receives the outlet message 40, the server-side algorithm 142knows that the device identifier 32 (uniquely representing the mobiledevice 22) has established wireless communication with the electricaloutlet 26 (represented by the outlet identifier 46). The server-sidealgorithm 142 is thus informed of the mobile device 22 having thecurrent location 20 identified by the outlet identifier 46 associatedwith the electrical outlet 26. The processor 140 may thus log the outletmessage 40 in the database 150 of locations. FIG. 12 illustrates thedatabase 150 of locations as being locally stored in the memory 144 ofthe server 42, but the database 150 of locations may be remotelyaccessed at any network location from any communications network.Regardless, the database 150 of locations is illustrated as a table 152that maps or associates the device identifier 32 to the outletidentifier 46, thus identifying the corresponding electrical outlet 26as the current location 20 of the user's mobile device 22.

Exemplary embodiments may be applied regardless of networkingenvironment. Exemplary embodiments may be easily adapted to cellular,WI-FI®, and/or BLUETOOTH® networking technologies. The networkingenvironment may even include electrical powerline wiring, as thisdisclosure explains. Exemplary embodiments may utilize BLUETOOTH®,near-field, and/or any other portion of the electromagnetic spectrum andany signaling standard (such as the IEEE 802 family of standards,GSM/CDMA/TDMA or any cellular standard, and/or the ISM band). Exemplaryembodiments may use the radio-frequency domain and/or the InternetProtocol (IP) domain. Exemplary embodiments may be applied to anydistributed computing network, such as the Internet (sometimesalternatively known as the “World Wide Web”), an intranet, a local-areanetwork (LAN), and/or a wide-area network (WAN). Exemplary embodimentsmay be applied regardless of physical componentry, physicalconfiguration, or communications standard(s).

Exemplary embodiments may utilize any processing component,configuration, or system. The processors 134 and 140 may be one ormultiple processors, which could include distributed processors orparallel processors in a single machine or multiple machines. Theprocessors 134 and 140 may be used in supporting a virtual processingenvironment. The processors 134 and 140 could include a state machine,application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable gate array(PGA) including a Field PGA, or state machine. When any of theprocessors 134 and 140 execute instructions to perform “operations”,this could include the 134 and 140 performing the operations directlyand/or facilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device orcomponent to perform the operations.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustrating time stamping, according toexemplary embodiments. As the mobile device 22 is carried, its currentlocation 20 changes with time. Exemplary embodiments, then, may use timestamps to further define the current location 20. The outlet-sidealgorithm 136, for example, may stamp the outlet message 40 with thedate and time 48 of receipt of the wireless signal 28. Alternatively,the outlet message 40 may be stamped with the date and time 48 it issent to the server 42. Still another option is to stamp the outletmessage 40 with the date and time 48 of receipt by the server 42.Regardless, exemplary embodiments may further log the date and time 48in the database 150 of locations. That is, as the mobile device 22 iscarried throughout the home or business, the mobile device 22 passesinto and out of communication with different electrical outlets alongthe halls and rooms. The database 150 of locations may thus have entriesthat chronologically log different current locations 20 of the mobiledevice 22 at different dates and times 48. The different currentlocations 20 may thus be a time series 154 of different outletidentifiers 46 as the mobile device 22 passes the correspondingelectrical outlets 26.

FIGS. 14-15 are more schematics illustrating locational determination,according to exemplary embodiments. As the mobile device 22 is carried,exemplary embodiments may generate a comprehensive log of the movementsof the user's mobile device 22. The database 150 of locations may thushave many entries detailing the device identifier 32, the date and time48, and the outlet identifier 46 reported by the electrical outlets inthe home or business. Indeed, each time the mobile device 22 passes adifferent electrical outlet 26, exemplary embodiments may add a newentry to the database 150 of locations. The database 150 of locationsmay thus become a rich repository of the movements of the mobile device22, in relation to the electrical outlets 26 installed throughout thehome or business.

FIG. 14 illustrates locational queries. FIG. 14 illustrates a request160 for location sent from some requesting device 162. The request 160for location routes into and through the communications network to thenetwork address associated with the server 42. The request 160 forlocation requests the current location 20 of the mobile device 22 havingthe corresponding device identifier 32. When the server 42 receives therequest 160 for location, the server-side algorithm 142 causes theserver 42 to query the database 150 of locations for the deviceidentifier 32. The server 42 retrieves the latest or most recent entryfor the corresponding device identifier 32, according to the date andtime 48. The server 42, for example, retrieves the latest reportedoutlet identifier 46 associated with the corresponding device identifier32. The server 42 generates a response 164 and includes the latestreported outlet identifier 46 as informational content. The response 164is sent to the network address associated with the requesting device162.

FIG. 14 also illustrates historical tracking. As the database 150 oflocations builds its entries during the days and weeks, over timeexemplary embodiments provide a detailed, historical account of themovements of the mobile device 22, again in relation to the electricaloutlets 26 installed throughout the home or business. When the server 42receives the request 160 for location, any historical information mayalso be retrieved. The request 160 for location, for example, mayspecify any previous or past date and time 48 for which locationinformation is desired. The server 42 may thus query the database 150 oflocations for a matching entry. The request 160 for location may evenspecify a range or period of dates and times, such as an hour's or day'slog of movements. Whatever the query parameter, the server 42 retrievesany matching entries and sends the response 164.

FIG. 15 illustrates outlet descriptions. Exemplary embodiments log themovements of the mobile device 22, in relation to the outlet identifiers46 of the corresponding electrical outlets 26 installed throughout thehome or business. Each outlet identifier 46, though, may be analphanumeric code that is meaningless to most people. Exemplaryembodiments, then, may further include a descriptive database 170. Thedescriptive database 170 associates a textual description 172 to eachoutlet identifier 46. Whenever exemplary embodiments determine thecurrent location 20 of the mobile device 22 (as represented by thecorresponding outlet identifier 46), exemplary embodiments may query thedescriptive database 170 for the textual description 172 associated withthe outlet identifier 46. For example, if the current location 20 isrepresented by “48ds4g71af” as the outlet identifier 46, most people andsystems would not have a true understanding of that current location 20.Exemplary embodiments, though, may consult the descriptive database 170for the associated textual description 172, such as “electrical outletin hall bathroom” or “electrical junction box hidden behind familypicture.” The textual description 172 may thus be retrieved and added tothe response 164 to provide human or system context.

FIGS. 16-19 are schematics illustrating luminary activation, accordingto exemplary embodiments. Once the current location 20 of the mobiledevice 22 is known, exemplary embodiments may activate, or deactivate,the lights in the corresponding location. FIG. 16, for example,illustrates a luminary database 180. Once the current location 20 of themobile device 22 is known (as reported by the electrical outlet 26having the outlet identifier 46), exemplary embodiments may consult theluminary database 180 for the lights and lamps associated with the sameelectrical outlet 26. The luminary database 180 may be locally stored inthe server 42 or remotely maintained and queried from any networklocation or address. Regardless, the luminary database 180 isillustrated as a table 182 that maps different outlet identifiers 46 todifferent luminaires 76. Once the current location 20 of the mobiledevice 22 is known (as reported by the corresponding outlet identifier46), the server 42 may query the luminary database 180 and retrieve thecorresponding luminaires 76 that should be activated. Each luminaire 76may be identified by a unique name or alphanumeric code. An entry in theluminary database 180 may even specify that an entire electrical zone184 or circuit 74 be activated. Once the server 42 retrieves thecorresponding one or more luminaires 76, the server 42 may then send acommand or message to an electrical controller 186. The electricalcontroller 186 activates the corresponding luminaires 76, in response tothe current location 20 of the mobile device 22.

FIG. 17 illustrates deactivation. When the mobile device 22 leaves orexits a room or area, the lights may be deactivated (or “turned off”) toconserve electricity. For example, whenever the server 42 logs a newentry in the database 150 of locations, the server-side algorithm 142may retrieve a previous entry for the same device identifier 32. If oneor more consecutive and/or chronological entries have different outletidentifiers 46, then the corresponding mobile device 22 is on the move.The luminary database 180 may thus be queried for the lights and lampsassociated with the latest electrical outlet 26. If the current location20 (represented by the latest time-stamped outlet identifier 46) isassociated with a different set of luminaires 76 from a previous entry,then the mobile device 22 has moved to a different room or area. Inother words, if the luminaires 76 different from a previous entryassociated with the same mobile device 22, the luminaires 76 at one ofthe previous locations may be deactivated. The server 42 may then sendcommands or messages to the electrical controller 186 to deactivate theluminaires 76 associated with the previous time-stamped or numericalentry associated with the device identifier 32. As the mobile device 22has left the room, the lights are deactivated.

FIG. 18 illustrates timed activation. Even though the mobile device 22has left the room, there may be instances or situations in which thelights remain “on.” For example, multiple people may trail or follow theuser, so turning off the lights may leave the stragglers in the dark.Indeed, even if the user's mobile device 22 has left the room, there maystill be other people present. Exemplary embodiments, then, may keep thelights activated, despite the movement of the user's mobile device 22.For example, whenever the current location 20 of the mobile device 22 isno longer associated with electrical outlet 26 in the room, the lightsmay be timed to remain activated. If the mobile device 22 moves to a newelectrical outlet 26 associated with different luminaires 76 in theluminary database 180, the server-side algorithm 142 may cause theserver 42 to initialize a timer 188 that increments or decrements to afinal value. The final value of the timer 188 may thus represent someperiod of time for which the lights in the room remain activated and onfor safety and enjoyment. However, when the timer 188 expires, theserver 42 may then deactivate the lights in the room. That is, theserver 42 sends the command or message to the electrical controller 186to deactivate the luminaires 76 in the previous time-stamped ornumerical entry associated with the device identifier 32. The timer 188may thus be configured to suit any period of time for which theluminaires 76 remain activated after the current location 20 haschanged.

FIG. 19 illustrates occupancy activation. Here the lights in the roomremain activated, based on an output from an occupancy sensor 190. Evenif the user's mobile device 22 has left the room, there may still bepeople present in the room. Indeed, the occupancy sensor 190 generatesan output signal that indicates presence of people or pets. For example,occupancy sensors are available that use infrared or ultrasonictechnology. However, exemplary embodiments may use any technology ordevice to determine when occupants are present in the room or area.Regardless, exemplary embodiments may deactivate the lights whenever theoccupancy sensor 190 no longer detects people in the room. Even if thesever commands the electrical controller 186 to deactivate thecorresponding luminaires 76, the electrical controller 186 may haveauthority to ignore or delay deactivation, based on the output from theoccupancy sensor 190.

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustrating environmental comfort, according toexemplary embodiments. Here a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning(“HVAC”) system 200 may heat or cool, based on the current location 20of the mobile device 22. When the mobile device 22 enters a room or area(as explained above with reference to FIGS. 16-19), the server 42 maysend a command or message to the HVAC system 200 to heat or cool theassociated room. The server 42, for example, may consult an HVACdatabase 202. Once the current location 20 of the mobile device 22 isknown (as reported by the electrical outlet 26 having the outletidentifier 46), exemplary embodiments may consult the HVAC database 202for a corresponding HVAC setting. The HVAC database 202 may be locallystored in the server 42 or remotely maintained and queried from anynetwork location or address. Regardless, the HVAC database 202 isillustrated as a table 204 that maps different outlet identifiers 46 todifferent HVAC parameters 206. For example, once the current location 20of the mobile device 22 is known (as reported at the correspondingoutlet identifier 46), the server 42 may query the HVAC database 202 andretrieve the corresponding zone 208 and temperature setting 210. Asthose of ordinary skill understand, the HVAC system 200 may heat or cooldifferent zones within the home or building. Some rooms, for example,may have higher temperature settings, depending on the comfort desiresof the occupant(s). Some users may want their bedrooms cooled tosixty-eight degrees) (68°), but others want their rooms heated toseventy-three degrees (73°). The HVAC system 200 may thus have differentzones with different heating or cooling parameters. The HVAC database202 may thus have different entries that associate the differentelectrical outlets 26 (as identifier by their corresponding outletidentifiers 46) to their corresponding HVAC zone 208 and temperaturesetting 210. Once the server 42 retrieves the corresponding HVAC zone208 and temperature setting 210, the server 42 may then send a commandor message to HVAC system 200. The HVAC system 200 thus heats or cools,in response to the current location 20 of the mobile device 22.

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustrating triangulation 220, according toexemplary embodiments. Here exemplary embodiments may use triangulation220 to determine a more exact current location 20. As the mobile device22 moves in some area, the mobile device 22 may wirelessly communicatewith multiple ones of the electrical outlets 26. The wireless signal 28,for example, may be received by two (2) or more different electricaloutlets (e.g., 26 a and 26 b) in the same vicinity of the mobile device22. Again, recall that the NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE® specifies a maximumspacing for the electrical outlets along any wall. There may be times,then, when the wireless signal 28 is simultaneously, or nearlysimultaneously, received by multiple electrical outlets 26 a and 26 b.When each respective transmitter 30 a and 30 b receives the wirelesssignal 28, the triangulation 220 may be used to determine a more exactcurrent location 20 of the mobile device 22. Wireless triangulation maydetermine a signal strength of the wireless signal 28 received by eachrespective transmitter 30 a and 30 b. Wireless triangulation, however,is well known and need not be discussed in detail. The server 42 maythen use the current location 20, as this disclosure explains.

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustrating security control, according toexemplary embodiments. Here exemplary embodiments may activate anddeactivate security measures, based on the current location 20 of themobile device 22. Once the current location 20 of the mobile device 22is known (as this disclosure explains), the server 42 may consult asecurity database 230. The security database 230 stores one or moresecurity measures related to the current location 20. The securitydatabase 230 may be locally stored in the server 42 or remotelymaintained and queried from any network location or address. Regardless,the security database 230 is illustrated as a table 232 that mapsdifferent outlet identifiers 46 to different security parameters 234.For example, once the current location 20 of the mobile device 22 isknown (as reported at the corresponding outlet identifier 46), theserver 42 may query the security database 230 and retrieve thecorresponding security parameters 234. For example, if sequentialentries in the database 150 of locations indicate the mobile device 22is moving outside to inside, the server 42 may query the securitydatabase 230 and retrieve the rule 72 that deactivates an alarm system236 and automatically deactivates the electronic lock 100, based onproximity to the electrical outlets near an entry door. Rules may befurther defined by time, such that exterior and/or interior lights areactivated or deactivated based on a matching comparison of date andtime.

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustrating appliance control, according toexemplary embodiments. Here exemplary embodiments may activate, ordeactivate, electrical appliances, based on the current location 20 ofthe user's mobile device 22. For example, different electrical zones maybe defined for different circuits powering entertainment systems,appliances, and other electrical loads. Once the current location 20 ofthe mobile device 22 is known (as this disclosure explains), the server42 may consult a zonal database 240. The zonal database 240 stores oneor more electrical loads related to the current location 20. The zonaldatabase 240 may be locally stored in the server 42 or remotelymaintained and queried from any network location or address. Regardless,the zonal database 240 is illustrated as a table 242 that maps differentoutlet identifiers 46 to different electrical zones 244. For example,each different electrical zone 244 may power a single appliance or anentire electrical circuit. As the user's mobile device 22 establishescommunication with the electrical outlet 26 (identified by thecorresponding outlet identifier 46), the server 42 may consult the zonaldatabase 240 to retrieve the corresponding zone 244. Each electricalzone 244 may even be defined by the rule 72, such that a television isonly activated during evening hours and a coffee brewer is onlyactivated during morning hours. Exemplary embodiments may thus activateor deactivate any electrical load, based on the current location 20 ofthe user's mobile device 22.

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustrating locational notifications, accordingto exemplary embodiments. Here exemplary embodiments may send orauthorize the notification 90, based on the current location 20 of theuser's mobile device 22. A notification database 250, for example,stores different notifications 90 associated with different outletidentifiers 46. Once the current location 20 of the mobile device 22 isknown (as this disclosure explains), the server 42 may consult thenotification database 250 and retrieve the corresponding notification90. The notification database 250 may be locally stored in the server 42or remotely maintained and queried from any network location or address.Regardless, the notification database 250 is illustrated as a table 252that maps different outlet identifiers 46 to different text 254 anddestination addresses 256. The notification database 250 may thus storedifferent messages that are sent, based on the current location 20 inrelation to the electrical outlets 26 in the home or business. Eachnotification may thus be uniquely tailored to very specific locations.For example, suppose a baby child wears a mobile monitor as the mobiledevice 22. If the baby approaches an electrical outlet 26 located near astairwell, exemplary embodiments may alert to a potential injuriousfall. A parent may thus rush to the stairwell and preempt injury. Othernotifications 90 may simply report whereabouts of a particular person'smobile device 22, such as “John is currently located in his room” or“Mary's device is in the laundry room.” The notification 90 may be sentas an SMS or email message for nearly immediate receipt. However, anentry may even specify a website or network address from which a file isretrieved and sent to the destination address 256. The notification 90is sent by the server 42 to alert the destination device or user of thecurrent location 20 of the mobile device 22.

FIG. 25 is a schematic illustrating locational confirmation, accordingto exemplary embodiments. Here exemplary embodiments may confirm thecurrent location 20 of the mobile device 22. Once the current location20 of the mobile device 22 is determined (as this disclosure explains),the server 42 may instruct the transceiver 30 to periodically orrandomly ping the mobile device 22 to confirm the current location 20.That is, the transceiver 30 is instructed to broadcast an interrogationsignal 260, perhaps after some time has elapsed. For example, if themobile device 22 fails to report its current location 20 (by sending thewireless signal 28 explained with reference to FIGS. 1-8) withinexpiration of some period of time, the transceiver 30 may be instructedto send the interrogation signal 260. If the mobile device 22 fails torespond (perhaps by again sending the wireless signal 28 illustrated inFIGS. 1-8), then the electrical outlet 26 may return send a failuremessage 262 to the server 42. The server-side algorithm 142 may thusinfer or assume a problem exists. For example, if the battery in themobile device 22 lacks sufficient charge or power, the mobile device 22may have lost its ability to send and receive signals, thus failing toreport its location. Exemplary embodiments may then send thenotification 90 to any destination address 256, alerting of the loss ofcommunication and identifying the last reported location 20.

FIG. 26 is a schematic illustrating health and safety notifications,according to exemplary embodiments. Here exemplary embodiments may alertemergency personnel when health and safety conditions are determined.For example, if the current location 20 of the mobile device 22 remainsabnormally stationary, the user may be experiencing a health emergency.Consider, for example, an elderly or infirm user of the mobile device22. As the mobile device 22 repeatedly reports its current location 20,consecutive or sequential time-stamped entries may indicate that themobile device 22 has remained stationary at the same electrical outlet26 for some impermissible stationary period 270 of time. Indeed, thetriangulation (explained with reference to numeral 220 in FIG. 21) mayreveal that the mobile device 22 is near a floor or wall, indicating theuser may have fallen. The server-side algorithm 142 may thus infer orassume an emergency condition exists and send the emergency notification90 to the destination address 256. The server 42, for example, may call,text, and/or email emergency personnel and loved ones and report theemergency condition. Exemplary embodiments, however, may excludestationary reports during preprogrammed or configured sleeping hours,eating hours, battery charging hours, and other defined time periods ofknown stationary conditions.

FIGS. 27-28 are schematics illustrating content control, according toexemplary embodiments. Here exemplary embodiments may select content forpresentation, based on the mobile devices 22 in a room. FIG. 27, forexample, illustrates a single mobile device 22 that establishescommunication with the electrical outlet 26, as this disclosureexplains. The server 42 may thus activate a television 280, music system282, or other entertainment component, based on the current location 20of the mobile device 22 (also as this disclosure explains). The server42 may retrieve a profile 284 associated with the device identifier 32of the mobile device 22 and automatically select the programming and/ormusic, based on the content preferences in the profile 284. Content maythus be displayed or played to suit the user's desires or favorites,based on her content profile 284.

FIG. 28 illustrates composite profiling. As the reader may realize,there will be times when multiple mobile devices 22 have the same orapproximate colocation. For example, when family and friends gather inthe same room, exemplary embodiments will detect the presence of eachindividual's mobile device 22 via the electrical outlets 26, as thisdisclosure explains. FIG. 28 illustrates the electrical outlet 26receiving the wireless signals 28 a, 28 b, and 28 c from respectivemobile devices 22 a, 22 b, and 22 c. When the server 42 determines theirrespective current locations 20, the server 42 may also retrievemultiple content profiles 284 a, 284 b, and 284 c. Exemplary embodimentsmay thus generate a composite profile 286, based on the requirementsand/or preferences in each individual content profile 284 a, 284 b, and284 c. For example, if content profile 284 b is associated with a minorchild, the server 42 may exclude “R”-rated programming. All the contentprofiles 284 a, 284 b, and 284 c may dislike reality shows, which theserver 42 may again exclude. The server 42 may continue evaluating thecontent profiles 284 a, 284 b, and 284 c and comparing to contentofferings to generate one or more content suggestions. The server 42 maythen automatically select the programming and/or music, based on thecomposite profile 286. Content may thus be displayed or played to suitthe user's desires or favorites, based a blending of the multiplecontent profiles 284 a, 284 b, and 284 c. As profiling of mobile devicesis generally known, the known details need not be explained.

Exemplary embodiments may thus present age-appropriate content. Should aminor child enter a room full of adults, the server 42 may immediatelypause an “R”-rated movie, based on the current location 20 of theminor's mobile device 22. The server 42 may even switch to a “PG”-ratedprogram, to avoid exposing the minor child to inappropriate sexualscenes or profane language. Application programming interfaces (or“APIs”) may be developed, thus allowing software developers to call anduse the locational services described herein.

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustrating pattern recognition, according toexemplary embodiments. Here the movements of the mobile device 22 may betracked and compared to historical patterns. The database 150 oflocations, as this disclosure explains, will in time log a rich historyof the movements of the user's mobile device 22. Exemplary embodimentsmay thus recognize habitual patterns and compare and match to currentmovements, thus predicting future movements. For example, theserver-side algorithm 142 may analyze consecutive or sequential entriesin the database 150 of locations and store repeated routes. FIG. 29, forexample, illustrates a chronological sequence 290 of outlet identifiers46 and their corresponding textual descriptions 172. Suppose thislocational sequence 290 represents the route the user walks from abedroom to a garage. Over time this same locational sequence 290 will belogged many times in the database 150 of locations, as the user's mobiledevice 22 repeatedly traverses the same route from the bedroom to thegarage. The server-side algorithm 142 may thus compare any currentsequence of entries to the historical entries in the database 150 oflocations. If a match is determined, the server-side algorithm 142 mayinfer that the mobile device 22 will pass by the upcoming or nextelectrical outlet(s) on the same sequence 290. The server-side algorithm142, in other words, may predict the next electrical outlet 26 in thesame sequence 290 as a future location. Indeed, the server-sidealgorithm 142 may also determine the speed or rate of movement from thedifference in time stamps 48 and a known distance or spacing betweensuccessive electrical outlets. The server-side algorithm 142 may thusalso predict the future time 48 at which the mobile device 22 will passby the next electrical outlet 26 in the same sequence 290.

Locational prediction will be very useful. Reconsider the commonsituation when the minor child approaches the room full of adults. Herethe server 42 may predict, in advance, when the child will enter theroom, based on some habitual pattern of movement. The server 42 may thuspause or switch the “R”-rated movie, prior to the child's arrival in theroom. Indeed, the server 42 may even generate and cause display of agraphical, visual notification announcing the child's arrival, based onthe route prediction. In other situations the server 42 may activatelights and appliances, based on the habitual patterns or routesrecognized in the database 150 of locations. Exemplary embodiments maythus learn routines and execute programmed responses based on historicalmovements and/or schedules.

FIG. 30 is a schematic illustrating theft prevention, according toexemplary embodiments. Here the mobile device 22 is a radio-frequencyidentification (or “RFID”) tag 300 added to some sentimental or valuableitem (such as a watch, ring, or collectable). The RFID tag 300 respondsto signals transmitted from the transceiver 30 in the electrical outlet26. Radio frequency identification is well known, so the details neednot be explained. Here, though, the electrical outlet 26 sends theoutlet message 40 in response to wireless communication with the passingRFID tag 300. The server 42, in other words, logs the current location20 of the RFID tag 300 in the database 150 of locations, based on theunique device identifier 32 of the RFID tag 300. The database 150 oflocations thus tracks the historical whereabouts of our preciouspossessions, based on detection of the RFID tag 300. Exemplaryembodiments may thus execute rules, based on the reported currentlocation 20 of the RFID tag 300. For example, should the RFID tag 300 beobserved moving toward an electrical outlet 26 near a door or window,the server 42 may activate the security system 236, send thenotification 90, and even call police. Indeed, any time a valuable itemmoves from a defined electrical outlet 26, exemplary embodiments mayalert.

FIGS. 31-35 are schematics illustrating mapping features, according toexemplary embodiments. Here exemplary embodiments may generate anddisplay maps of the current location 20. The server-side algorithm 142,for example, may have a mapping module 310 that generates a graphicalmap 312. The server-side algorithm 142 may query the database 150 oflocations for any device identifier 32 and retrieve its correspondingcurrent location 20. The server-side algorithm 142 may then generate thegraphical map 312, as FIG. 32 illustrates. The graphical map 312 isillustrated as a floor plan 314, thus making the visual presentationmatch the physical and structure features of the home or business. Thecurrent location 20 is conspicuously indicated an obvious icon 316. Theserver-side algorithm 142 may even retrieve the textual description 172(“Garage Workbench”) of the corresponding outlet, thus simplifying thecurrent location 20 with meaningful content.

FIG. 33 illustrates mapping of multiple mobile devices 22. Exemplaryembodiments may determine the current locations 20 of any mobile devices22, as this disclosure explains. The server-side algorithm 142 may thusgenerate the map 312 to provide a comprehensive view of the currentlocations 20 of many mobile devices 22 in the home or business. Thedifferent textual descriptions 172 may also be included, thus allowingquick identification of the different mobile devices 22 and theirrespective locations 20. Each different mobile device 22 may its ownobvious icon 316, this again visual differentiating the differentlocations. Each different mobile device 22 may even be associated withits own different icon 216 and moniker 318, further improving the visualpresentation of the map 312.

FIGS. 34-35 illustrate lost and found features. As this disclosureexplains, exemplary embodiments may be used to reveal the currentlocation 20 of the mobile device 22. The user, for example, need onlysubmit the request 160 for location that queries the database 150 oflocations. The request 160 for location may include the deviceidentifier 32 as the query parameter. However, most people do not knowthe unique alphanumeric device identifier 32 assigned to their mobiledevice 22. The user, then, may query for the moniker 318 that describesthe mobile device 22 in plain words (such as “Mary's cell phone” or“Sam's ring”). The server-side algorithm 142 may then perform a reverselookup using a device database 320, which maps different deviceidentifiers 32 to their corresponding device monikers 318. Theserver-side algorithm 142 may thus compare and match the user's plainlyworded device moniker 318 to the corresponding device identifier 32.Once the device identifier 32 is known, the server 42 may then query thedatabase 150 of locations for the current location 20, as thisdisclosure explains. The server-side algorithm 142 may then generate thegraphical map 312 to visually indicate the current location 20 (asillustrated with reference to FIGS. 32-33). Moreover, as FIG. 35illustrates, the corresponding electrical outlet 26 may be commanded toactivate a noisemaker 322, thus further indicating the current location20 of the user's mobile device 22. The server 42, for example, may senda command message 324 to the network address associated with theelectrical outlet(s) 26 at or near the current location 20. Theprocessor 134 in the electrical outlet 26 is thus instructed to activatenoisemaker 322 that outputs some audible signal. The electrical outlet26, for example, may chirp or sing to alert of the current location 20of the user's mobile device 22.

FIGS. 36-37 are flowcharts illustrating a method or algorithm forlocational determination, according to exemplary embodiments. Thewireless signal 28 is received from the mobile device 22 (Block 400).The outlet message 40 is sent (Block 402). The outlet message 40 isinspected for the device identifier 32 and for the outlet identifier 46(Block 404). The database 150 of locations is updated with an entry forthe current time, the device identifier 32, and the outlet identifier 46(Block 406). A request for location is received requesting the currentlocation 20 of the mobile device 22 associated with the deviceidentifier 32 (Block 408). The database 150 of locations is queried forthe device identifier 32 (Block 410), and the latest time-stamped outletidentifier 46 is retrieved (Block 412).

The flowchart continues with FIG. 37. Once the latest time-stampedoutlet identifier 46 is determined, the current location 20 is sent inresponse (Block 414). A current sequence of the outlet identifiers 46 iscompared to the database 150 of locations (Block 416) and a matchinghistorical sequence of the outlet identifiers 46 is retrieved (Block418). A next electrical outlet 26 is predicted as a future location(Block 420) based on the matching historical sequence. A rule isexecuted (Block 422) based on the current location 20 and/or thepredicted future location. The steps shown in the flowcharts may beperformed in any sequence.

FIG. 38 is a schematic illustrating still more exemplary embodiments.FIG. 38 is a more detailed diagram illustrating a processor-controlleddevice 500. As earlier paragraphs explained, the outlet-side algorithm136 and the server-side algorithm 142 may operate in anyprocessor-controlled device. FIG. 38, then, illustrates the outlet-sidealgorithm 136 and the server-side algorithm 142 stored in a memorysubsystem of the processor-controlled device 500. One or more processorscommunicate with the memory subsystem and execute either, some, or allapplications. Because the processor-controlled device 500 is well knownto those of ordinary skill in the art, no further explanation is needed.

FIG. 39 depicts other possible operating environments for additionalaspects of the exemplary embodiments. FIG. 39 illustrates theoutlet-side algorithm 136 and the server-side algorithm 142 operatingwithin various other devices 500. FIG. 39, for example, illustrates thatthe outlet-side algorithm 136 and the server-side algorithm 142 mayentirely or partially operate within a set-top box (“STB”) (502), apersonal/digital video recorder (PVR/DVR) 504, a Global PositioningSystem (GPS) device 508, an interactive television 510, a tabletcomputer 512, or any computer system, communications device, orprocessor-controlled device utilizing the processors 134 and 140(illustrated in FIGS. 9-12) and/or a digital signal processor (DP/DSP)514. The device 500 may also include network switches, routers, modems,watches, radios, vehicle electronics, clocks, printers, gateways,mobile/implantable medical devices, and other apparatuses and systems.Because the architecture and operating principles of the various devices500 are well known, the hardware and software componentry of the variousdevices 500 are not further shown and described.

Exemplary embodiments may be physically embodied on or in acomputer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable medium mayinclude CD-ROM, DVD, tape, cassette, floppy disk, memory card, USB, andlarge-capacity disks. This computer-readable medium, or media, could bedistributed to end-subscribers, licensees, and assignees. A computerprogram product comprises processor-executable instructions forlocational determination, as the above paragraphs explained.

While the exemplary embodiments have been described with respect tovarious features, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilledin the art will recognize the exemplary embodiments are not so limited.Other variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplaryembodiments.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving, by aprocessor, outlet messages sent from electrical outlets of an electricaldistribution system, each one of the outlet messages comprising a deviceidentifier and an outlet identifier, the device identifier associatedwith a mobile device communicating with a transceiver in a correspondingone of the electrical outlets, and the outlet identifier uniquelyidentifying the transceiver in the corresponding one of the electricaloutlets; and adding, by the processor, an entry to an electronicdatabase of locations associated with the mobile device, the electronicdatabase of locations having entries that log the outlet identifier asan indoor location associated with the mobile device.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising time stamping each one of the outletmessages.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising activating aluminaire associated with the outlet identifier represented by a latesttime stamp.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising deactivatingthe luminaire after an expiration of time.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising triangulating the current location associated withthe mobile device.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprisingtriangulating the indoor location associated with the mobile devicebased on the outlet messages received from different ones of theelectrical outlets.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprisingactivating an electronic lock associated with the indoor location of themobile device.
 8. A system, comprising: a processor; and a memorystoring instructions that when executed causes the processor to performoperations, the operations comprising: receiving an outlet message sentfrom a transceiver in an electrical outlet in an electrical system, theoutlet message comprising a device identifier and an outlet identifier,the device identifier associated with a mobile device communicating withthe transceiver in the electrical outlet, and the outlet identifieruniquely identifying the transceiver in the electrical outlet; andstoring the outlet identifier in an electronic database of locationsassociated with the mobile device, the electronic database of locationshaving entries that log the outlet identifier as an indoor location ofthe mobile device.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the operationsfurther comprise time stamping the outlet message.
 10. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the operations further comprise activating a luminaireassociated with the outlet identifier.
 11. The system of claim 10,wherein the operations further comprise deactivating the luminaire afteran expiration of a time.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein theoperations further comprise triangulating the indoor location of themobile device.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the operations furthercomprise triangulating the indoor location of the mobile device based onoutlet messages received from different electrical outlets.
 14. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the operations further comprise activating anelectronic lock associated with the indoor location of the mobiledevice.
 15. A memory device storing instructions that when executedcause a processor to perform operations, the operations comprising:receiving an outlet message sent from a transceiver in an electricaloutlet installed in a wall, the electrical outlet connected toconductors of an electrical system, the outlet message comprising adevice identifier and an outlet identifier, the device identifierassociated with a mobile device communicating with the transceiver inthe electrical outlet installed in the wall, and the outlet identifieruniquely identifying the transceiver in the electrical outlet installedin the wall; and storing the outlet identifier in an electronic databaseof locations associated with the mobile device, the electronic databaseof locations having entries that log the outlet identifier as an indoorlocation of the mobile device.
 16. The memory device of claim 15,wherein the operations further comprise time stamping the outletmessage.
 17. The memory device of claim 15, wherein the operationsfurther comprise activating a luminaire associated with the indoorlocation of the mobile device.
 18. The memory device of claim 17,wherein the operations further comprise deactivating the luminaire afteran expiration of a time.
 19. The memory device of claim 15, wherein theoperations further comprise triangulating the indoor location of themobile device.
 20. The memory device of claim 15, wherein the operationsfurther comprise activating an electronic lock associated with theindoor location of the mobile device.